Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Makes History by Appointing the First Black Latina to Serve on the Arizona Supreme Court

In a historic decision, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has appointed Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Maria Elena Cruz to serve on the State Supreme Court.

According to a press release from Governor Hobbs’s office, Cruz “received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arizona, has experience as both a defense attorney and prosecutor and has presided over almost every type of case seen in state court, at every level” and “has previously served on the Yuma County Superior Court, where she was the Presiding Judge, as well as on the Cocopah Indian Tribal Court. Judge Cruz is a daughter of working-class parents, a Yuma County resident for over 30 years, and will be the first-ever Latina and Black Arizonan to sit on the state’s highest court.”

“Judge Maria Elena Cruz has led a life dedicated to justice and service to her state and community. Her decades of work reflect not only her legal expertise but her deep understanding of the people she serves. Her presence on the Arizona Supreme Court reaffirms that the court belongs to the people of Arizona.

“I’m confident Judge Cruz will be a Justice who gives a voice to working-class people in every corner of our state. She is the daughter of working-class parents who came to Arizona and worked hard to give her a better life. For 32 years, she has called Yuma County home. And after 113 years, she will be the first Latina and the first Black Arizonan to serve on the Arizona Supreme Court. From being raised by working-class parents, one an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, to serving on the highest Court in Arizona, Maria Elena Cruz has lived the Arizona Promise.

“As a social worker who has supported victims of domestic violence and homeless youth, I have seen firsthand how the justice system impacts our everyday lives, and particularly the lives of vulnerable Arizonans. I prioritized an appointee who is not only eminently qualified, but also someone who reflects our state, and who is committed to making our legal system work for everyday people.”

On social media, the Governor posted:

Hobbs, who earlier today, in response to an AZ Central editorial, released an op-ed outlining what she has accomplished so far as Governor, also announced $60 million from American Rescue Plan proceeds to invest in furthering water security across the Grand Canyon State.

In another Gubernatorial Press Release, the investments will go into the following areas:

$14.6 million for WIFA Water Conservation Grant Fund
The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) will continue supporting conservation projects statewide, including rural water solutions and long-term sustainable supplies. WIFA has already funded over 150 projects thanks to $200 million previously allocated by the State.

$12.3 million to support disadvantaged water systems
Small public water systems will receive funding through the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) for technical support and infrastructure improvements to ensure reliable, clean drinking water.

$5 million to combat PFAS “forever chemicals” water contamination
This additional $5 million will double ADEQ’s funding to identify and remediate PFAS, harmful “forever chemicals” that threaten the water supplies of Arizona communities.

$12 million for Buckeye’s renewable water infrastructure
The City of Buckeye will use state funds to expand renewable water supplies, including infrastructure to enhance the reuse and recharge of effluent as part of the City’s commitment to achieve a 100-year Alternative Designation of Assured Water Supply (ADAWS) for sustainability and growth.

$7 million for groundwater monitoring
New groundwater index wells across rural Arizona will help track declining aquifer levels and inform water management strategies for rural communities.

$5.5 million for hydrogeologic studies
Scientific studies in groundwater basins facing water level declines will provide crucial data for aquifer management to help the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) build groundwater models and tools that assist water protection efforts.

$3.49 million for advanced water monitoring technology & data collection
Investments at ADWR to utilize satellite monitoring, gravity surveys, and GPS technology to improve aquifer management and water demand data collection.

$500,000 for wastewater contamination cleanup
ADEQ will utilize these funds to track and replace failing wastewater disposal systems in rural areas to prevent contamination of water supplies.”

Commenting on these investments, Governor Hobbs stated:

“Arizona’s water future depends on taking action today. Not only is my administration driving key policy reforms, I’m committed to making investments that protect water for every Arizonan and ensure our communities have the resources they need to continue growing for generations to come.”


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